Nifty News

Faithful Followers

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Remember when I wrote that I had to learn to stop saying that things couldn't get any worse? Yeah. Well, whether you say it or not, things can get worse. My wonderful ex-husband texted me today to tell me he'd gotten fired. When I asked him why he'd gotten fired and if he was eligible for unemployment, he told me it didn't concern me. He is actually stupid enough to think it doesn't concern me! I wish I could've reached through the phone and slapped his SELFISH face.

Yep. Now, my kids don't have insurance. In the middle of getting help for their depression and abandonment issues, they've lost insurance. As of now, my income is $0 a month. I don't even know what kind of job I could possibly get with no college degree and being out of the work force for 16 years, and with the economy and unemployment rates right now, and the fact that anything I'd make would have to go to childcare for Brooklyn, not to mention the fact that it wouldn't be safe for me to leave my boys alone right now.

So, because my blog doesn't make me a penny, I need to take a break from it for awhile to figure out what I need to do to keep us afloat. I need to look into state insurance and other help, and find a way to get some sort of job.

And believe it or not, I still have absolute faith that things will work out. I believe God isn't so involved in more important things that He just doesn't have the time to deal with small potatoes like this. Quite the opposite. I believe He's here. He's right here. I know He is. And He'll use this for good. That's not to say that I don't feel like breaking down and crying because I do. But if I break down, guess what - the problems will still be there. It won't solve anything. It won't fix the situation. So, I'll keep on believing and trusting that God has a plan and He knows what He's doing. And I'll do whatever I can to get my kids healthy and make enough money to support us. And I'll ask you guys to keep praying because honestly, that's what's keeping me sane right now. Thank you.

Dawn bought your book the other day and its wonderful. I am a 50 yr old grandmother and my daughter and daughter in law are both pregnant. My daughter bought your book and read it in 2 days. Prayers are with you but you have it right God is with you and never gives you more than you can handle, Yes I know you are saying "yeah right!" I will keep you in my prayers and know that you have all of us out here praying and there is NOTHING stronger than the power of Prayer..Keep us posted. :)

Done. now what else do you need. aren't there ways to make money from your blog? if all your readers chipped in money for you entertaining us, would that be enough to get you through the hard times. I always believe in pay it forward. When you get helped during a tough time, then you help someone else, when you are in a position to do so.

So, so sorry Dawn. Best of luck to you. I have been meaning to buy your book so I used your link and got myself a copy! I hope others do the same. I totally understand the need for a break, but try to keep us in the loop every once in a while if you can. We'll all be worrying (and thinking, and praying) about you!

I am so sorry to hear that. I don't have advice; I'd be panicking if it was me. The only thing I can suggest is to talk to someone at your church about help. That's what the church is for. HUGE HUGS. I'll be praying your husband gets a new job quickly.

Dawn, Hugs to you. An idiot politician once famously said "Life wasn't meant to be easy." Maybe, but it sure is a lot nicer when the universe isn't picking on you. You have my prayers, I hope things get better, fast. Will be here when you're ready to share again.Hugs,Angela

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwrrrrrrrrrrrrr i am so so annoyed for you dawn... it is so unfair that all this CRAP happens to you....GOD you are there now SHOW yourself VERY clearly!!! and get your plan into action NOW!!!!!

A wise friend once told me "When God is all you have left, you discover He is all you need." Sometimes in my trials I come to that place where I have nothing but God and in that place it is where I find him the brightest. Blessings to you and I pray that God will lead you quickly to the best path for you to find help for your family.

Love ya Dawn. Life has to suck sometimes, so when it doesn't suck anymore we really treasure the good bits.There are good bits on their way. Trust in yourself. Trust that you're doing a good job being a single Mum. *Big Hugs* From Brisbane Australia

You're in my prayers and thoughts. You such a strong woman. When my ex did this, (got himself fired and went under employed so he didn't have to pay his child support) It got super scary for me and my boys. After I had a good cry, a few glasses of rum & cokes I regrouped (which I know you will do) and got what I needed to get done. You will qualify for state aid including medical for your kids. Also once you get yourself situated go after all he has (401k, you can attach his checks once he gets another job, etc) I did that to my ex. While mine wasn't working his child support kept adding up higher and higher, finally after numerous hearings at the state offices for child support we went to court. He was ordered to pay the full amount immediately or go to jail. He liquidated EVERYTHING he had that was of value to him and paid his child support, I know most men don't. But then I requested that we have a standing bench warrant put on him if he misses 4 consecutive child support payments in a row until my youngest turned 18. Again some men don't care, mine was motivated to not miss a payment. Maybe hitting Joe in the wallet repeatedly will make him think? I'm sure you qualify for pro bono work through legal aid in your state too. What I do know I think you're an amazing woman! You are so strong and tough and you have been through so much. You are a wonderful mother and your kids are so lucky to have you as their mom. Your readers adore you and I for one am praying for you daily to get through this rough time.

Dawn, Please consider paypal so that your devoted readers can help the Lord to provide for you. The money isn't ours but His. You bring such light to our lives and as your Brothers and Sisters, we will be there for you in your time of need. I don't know you but have read you for years, commented at times and pray for you almost daily. Please know you are loved and your profession of faith on this blog brings so much glory to God. Hugs to you, my Sister!

Praying for you and your beautiful kids, Dawn. For selfish reasons I don't want your blog to go on hold, but understand. I love checking it every night bed, and I'm sure I'm not alone in being surprised to hear that blogging doesn't bring in $; all the time you put into it, that doesn't seem right. I'm in Ill too, State Insurance is good, adults can get it, too. I applied online, and you can request retro payments, too. Stay strong, get sleep, and don't hesitate to ask for help. Your many blog fans will be there for you, in addition to your real-life ones! Hugs...

Of course I will buy your book. $10 is such a reasonable price for a work of literary genius... do you have a paypal account where I could send another $10, directly to you (because I know you don't get the full $10 from every book sale)? I'm sure others would be willing to too. And don't even say no because it's not charity... it's payback for all the other times you've made me laugh. So, really, I owe you roughly $20,920. But that's in Canadian money so $10 is fair, right? ;)

I know you need to concentrate on other things right now but I hope you find your way back to us. We'll be waiting patiently, hugs in hand. xoox

I too look forward to your new posts. I too have been watching closely as your boys struggle and praying for your family.

My interest in your blog is great (it makes my top 5), so I'm sad to see you take a break. But I'm so glad that you are taking a break. I assumed that like so many other famous mommy bloggers, that you did get some money.

I don't have to tell you how so many parts of this situation suck, but I can let you know that I admire how you've handled the kids, the ex, the family on boths sides. You've been much kinder to your extended (and ex) family with your blog that I ever was. I've appreciated your wisdom and insight and honest. Thank youlots of love

Just wanted to say I went and bought your books on Amazon. I hope that you see some of that money. I can tell you're a fighter and so you'll get through this. God IS with you always. Good luck Dawn. All my love and prayers, Mandy

Dawn- Talk with your children's hospital/clinic where they have been receiving treatment, typically they have a benefits specialist who should help you in finding appropriate (free) coverage for your medical needs. Also check online for any programs that your state or county has to offer. Do you have a garnishment yet on his wages? If so contact your local DA's office and tell them that he's lost his job and may receive unemployment they can then garnish that if he is awarded. I'm praying your you and I thought your book would make a great gift for any friend who may get pregnant this year, so I'm off this weekend to stock so I'll be prepared ;-) Have you thought about taking some classes under the dislocated worker program? Check it out, there are grants available

Don't give up Dawn, just think of this time next year when you'll be looking back and wishing you hadn't wasted energy stressing about most of this. Something will always happen next, let's just pray it's something good for you. x

I agree with all of the other commenters that wish you would set up a PayPal account. Seriously. I bought the 2nd book and will buy the first one, too, now. But since you don't have paying ads on your site, please let us send you a little "payment" for all of the entertainment you've provided to all of us. I come daily to see if you have a new post, and lately to just "see" how you and the family are doing. A PayPal account would let so many of us say "thank you" and I bet all the $5 & $10s that we want to send you would add up surprisingly.

It seems unfair to me that Dooce (who I also enjoy reading, but not as much as you) and her husband both can work from home because of her blog but you are reduced to all this worry and may have to give yours up for a while? Please, please let your faithful readers help out!

Count me as one more person who has never commented but feels like I need to do it now. I have followed you since the famous auction, and will continue to pray for you and your family. Two things: many blogs have paypal links just to help support the blog. Many of your readers would like to do that - not as a hand-out, just as a thank you for doing what you've done. And also, please stop apologizing for not being funny all the time! Those of us who have followed you for so long are interested in you and how you approach life - all aspects of it. Please take care and let us know how you are doing - you know how moms worry!

Dear Dawn...I have been reading your blog since the Pokemon card incident and also follow you on facebook.I agree with the other posts, please do a paypal, I would gladly give up my rockstar energy drinks for a month (which is a big feat , 4 kids lady and I don't like coffee!!) and donate my $40 bucks to you.Everyday I click on your blog and read it, you make me laugh and yes sometimes cry, but it's a wonderful feeling to know that someone else has crazy days and issues with their kids.In the mean time I will post a link to buy your book on my facebook page and hope one of my friends will buy a copy or two!!I can only hope for the best for you...you deserve the biggest break.Know you are in all of our thoughts...Ruth

Dawn - I am so very sorry that you and your children are going through this. As a child, my father did the same thing, and I saw how hard it was on my Mom. I know you have strength, and somehow you will get through this. I agree with the other commenters. Please consider putting a PayPal donation link on your page. Those of us who feel compelled to help you can donate, Those that don't won't have to. No need to announce the donation link, just put it on the page and see what happens. We are all wanting to help - but don't have a way to get the help to you. If you don't want a paypal link, maybe posting your address privately to those that request it or a PO box address. Please let us help you Dawn. The God I believe in wants us to not only help others when in need, but also wants us to accept help when needed. I will pray for you and hope that things get better for your family.

Crap Dawn. That sucks. Now. You can get insurance for your kids through the State of IL. There is a clause in the application that helps high needs kids cut through the line. Check it out on-line and then call for help. I was able to get our entire family insured quickly after my husband was laid off. Time to put those google ads on your blog and look for sponsorship. You have talents and can use them. Hang in there.

Not that you want to be dependent on the government, but there are programs out there to help with food and insurance. It won't put money in your pocket, but it will help put food on the table (WIC or food stamps). There is also health insurance for low income families such as medicaid.In terms of work. Can you find a job in a daycare (I think you need a 90 hour course-but no college degree, but I could be wrong) or after school program? If so you may be able to bring your kids along at no cost or minimal cost to you and you'd still get to hang out with them.Also, on that note, what about babysitting in your home. I know you are around your kids all the time and may not want to deal with other people's kids, but it's steady income, you don't need a degree, and you can still be there for your kids. As a mother of 3, I would trust a non-college degree mother of 6 quicker than I'd trust a college grad with no kids of their own.

My prayers are with you. I agree with the other readers, put up a paypal button. Let the people that you have made laugh and share your life help you with this hard time. And for your ex husband. Get your lawyer to make sure if he makes/gets .10 cents, you and your kids get it. You're a tough lady. Your faith will get you through.

Dawn, my thoughts and prayers are with you right now. I don't know about the kind of insurance his job carried but I know that most coverages are for a full month so you can't be cut off until the last day of this month so your kids should at least have insurance coverage through the end of the month so that would give you a little time to start to get other options in place. God will see you through this.

Dawn, we down here in GA are praying for you and the family. I went and bought BOTH of your books this morning off of Amazon. Please do put up a paypal account so we can help out. You provide a lot of laughs and touch a lot of lives, we would love to pay that back to you.

Dawn, your situation is breaking my heart and brings tears to my eyes. Though I completely understand your need to take a break from the blog, I hope you'll find the time to at least keep us updated through facebook or here on how things are going. You KNOW we're going to be worried sick about you all if we don't hear something periodically.I'm praying harder than ever that things start looking up for you and your wonderful family!

yes to what everyone else has said and you and yours are in our prayers. I wish georgia was not so far from chicago I would keep brooklyn and the rest for you while i keep my own grand kids ... do consider a pay pal link... I agree with those who talk about paying it forward... and i too have been following you since the ebay thing and have met so many wonderful people through your blog. Hang in there momma you are a good mom and God is so carrying you through out it all :)

Check into Illinois All kids insurance. I have had it for my son for two years and it's wonderful. It offers vision, medical, and health for little to no money (like a medical card but to exactly the same). It is easy to sign up and get approved and once approved, the kids are covered for at least a year. http://www.allkidscovered.com/

I am sorry you are going through so much right now. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know that everything will work out for you. I have faith. You are an amazing, strong woman and I admire you for how you handle everything thrown your way.

I am so sorry everything seems to be hitting you now. It isn't fair, but I believe you will survive and overcome all of it. The others have made some great suggestions regarding checking into the state programs and the like. Look into them and apply for everything that even looks remotely like you qualify. It isn't forever, but it will help you get started. I get that you have to take a break, and hopefully it won't be forever because (being completely selfish here)I look forward to reading what you post. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help, and as soon as the paycheck clears tomorrow I will be purchasing your books. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Hi Dawn,My prayers are with you. I agree with the other readers that you should put up a paypal button. I would happily donate money for all the hard work you put into your writing and the joy it gives me to read your stories. I, too, have faith that things will get better for you. Please let your readers be a part of that.

I read your blog all the time but have never commented. You shouldn't feel bad about monetizing your sight. Nobody works for free. You are an entertainer and deserve to get paid. If you just can't stomach a paypal link, add advertising. There is nothing wrong with that! Do it for your kids.

Dawn, you are totally awesome and funny and you are a FANTASTIC mom. God WILL make a way for you and your kids. I agree with the others; please put up a paypal button so those of us who wish to send $$ can. I know I won't be able to send much, but with all of us who wish to...it might just add up to what you need to get by until you can get everything done to take care of your kids. You have given all of us so much laughter and I know many of us would like to help out. I'm looking forward to when you can return to your blog. I check it every single day. Let us bless you as you have blessed us...please.

I too have been following your blog since I randomly stumbled upon it. There are times where you have really cheered me up when I needed it the most. I am only 25 but I admire the strength and dedication to your family with or without your douche bag ex husband. My mom went through the same thing with my dad and I can tell you eventually it WILL get better and you will be a HELL of alot stronger for it (Not that you're not already)

As for wanting to be the giver, sometimes in life you have to step back and look at the bigger picture. People around the world read your blog, you reach out to our lives, let us help you. I lived in an area that Katrina greatly devastated and we had people all over donate stuff to us, I can never thank those people face to face that helped provide food, money or clothing... but stories like yours.. real struggles.. not some gimme scheme greatly tug at my heart strings. I don't have much but I WANT to help, like many others that read your blog. Let us pay it forward, for all of those who have helped us when we needed it! God will be there by your side, along with us.. helping you get through this!

Dawn, I can't say thankyou enough for the inspiration you have been to me, as a woman, a writer, a mom of many, as a Christian and in all the laughter and insights you have given.

And you're still being an inspiration now in the darkest of times. You are so right - God is the one who will get you all through. I don't know why He doesn't take us around the problem, but He always gets us through. Thankyou for giving the glory to Him in the middle of all this.

Please can I give you a bunch of verses that have helped me through this last twelve months?Isaiah 40:28-31Psalm 62:5-82 Corinthians 6:4-102 Corinthians 4:7-11, 16-18

I know you probably know these but thought they would useful if you need help and inspiration in a hurry.

I read your post first thing this morning and have been thinking about it all day. I will pray for you and your family. I also think you should have a paypal donation button. You don't get paid for your blog--but you should. Consider it back payment.

Dawn - Thoughts and prayers. Please set up a PayPal account. "Dan and Amy" said it well: "Dawn, Please consider paypal so that your devoted readers can help the Lord to provide for you. The money isn't ours but His. "

I bought your new book on Kindle (I hope you get the same proceeds from that) and I bought the last copy of your first book. Every little bit helps. :0) And I agree - I'd love to donate a little via paypal!

Dawn,We are in a very tight financial place right now so I don't have the $10 to buy your book. However, I will give you what I can offer and pray for you and your kids and Joe. As soon as I can monetarily help, know that I will do my part there as well.

Dawn, I think you can go to your ex's former employer to inquire about extending the health insurance via COBRA(whixh is gov't program). I think he/you are entitled to 18 months of coverage. You do have to pay but since it is just an extension of your current coverage, you won't get into any sticky situations over pre-existing conditions. Seems worth checking out. Best of luck. Good things will come your way!

Hey Dawn, I just wanted to let you know that when my husband lost his job last year and I was pregnant with my 2nd, I applied for medicaid. The beautiful thing is that you should have insurance until the end of the month with your husband's previous job. But as of Feb 1, you won't have anything. The bad thing about medicaid is that it usually takes a long time to get approved. However, they do have retroactive coverage which is always nice to know so that you aren't stressing about having money to pay for drs visits. But the first thing I would do is call your ex husbands insurance to be sure that your kids are covered until the end of the month (i'm 99.9% sure they will be) and in the meantime you can apply for whatever insurance. Hope this helps and lessens your stress a little bit! Love your blog.. :) Have a wonderful day!

I think you will find what you need until a paypal account can be set up, that is if she wishes to do so.

Dawn please except the help that is being offered to you. I had a young man in our store several years ago, from France, that couldn't understand the out poor of help that the people here in the US was giving to others. He said, That's the governments job. I told him that something you need to understand about people here is that it doesn't make a difference where in the US people are, we were talking about the different areas that were hit by Hurricanes, World Trade Center, etc., when the need arises we set aside our personal problems and go into action to help those in need. I said that when something like the World Trade Center happened they become our family. It doesn't have to be someting huge for people to step up and offer help. Where I'm from there have been times when a family lost everything they owed to a fire. By the end of the day people had pulled together clothing for everyone in the family, a hotel placed them in one of there rooms for free, someone had one of the homes they rented out avaiable to them the next day with utilities turn on. And the list goes on.So, Dawn you are part of our family, weither you are in need of tempory help, a pick me up, or just a conversation. Let this be a tempary answer from God until you have time to pull things together, with his on going help.Would you not do the same for someone else? My dear friend it just happens to be your turn.

That sucks balls big time!!! You are in my thoughts - I know things work different over there but please be in immediate contact with all the various departments to make sure you get every avenue checked out for you and the kids. I don't know how karma works but not only do I hope it kicks that useless no hoper of an ex of yours in the butt I hope it flattens him totally.

Just bought your book from Amazon (.co.uk), anything to help one of my favourite bloggers!Please consider setting up a PayPal button as I'm sure many of us overseas readers would be happy to chip in to help you out as a way of saying thanks for keeping us entertained with your writings.Big love to all of youxxx

headed over to buy your book. What else?? You've entertained and inspired me for a long time...I'm ready to give back. :)Keep your head up because you have a lot of people who have not even met you live, that love you lots

Dawn,I'm crying buckets here but my heart is warmed by all the wonderful,loving people here.Andy said it best "it just happens to be your turn" for help.I saw on a crafting blog once that had a COFFEE DONATION button.It was a paypal to help with costs.You could make a RUM/WINE donation :~D Please let all of us who you have helped thru laughter now help you.You owe us this happiness of giving. {{hugs}} Pam in CA.

I know in California, someone's Unemployment checks can be attached to pay child support, so definitely look into that one. The sucky part is waiting for the attachment of his checks to be processed, no doubt could take a couple of months. You are eligible for COBRA as I'm sure you know but trying to pay that premium has got to be a huge hurdle. I wish I had magic answers. I just purchased your book on Amazon.com, I hope that helps a little, anyway. My heart goes out to you, Dawn. We are all praying for you. Good things are coming; I can feel it. The light at the end of the tunnel is NOT an oncoming train; I promise!

I can't believe people would send you hate mail!! Mean people suck! How dare anyone judge you that hasn't walked in your shoes. sheesh. sending you hugs from across the nation. :)

Dawn,You say you are at the end of your rope. Well, we're on the other end trying to pull you up! Please allow us to do so. I'm so glad I was able to contribute through paypal. I have been entertained by you for a while and I'm glad I can give back to you. We often pray for God to help us in hard times. Well sometimes He uses ordinary people to get His job done. Thank you for allowing me to be Christ like today. You know how it feels to be able to help someone. Thank you for letting me feel like that today. Keep loving those children! That is what they need the most, and you're doing a great job of it. I pray that God sends peace to your home and heart.Mandy L.

Oh Dawn - I am sending you all virtual hugs! I am praying that the state will help you & make it retroactive to the date that your Ex lost his job. I'll also be buying your book soon. Funny side note - you haven't been praying for patience have you? A friend of mine is going through a similar situation of 'it can't get any worse right?' and it seemed like God was just throwing everything but the kitchen sink at her. So if you are praying for patience - STOP & then hopefully that helps a little. ;)BIG hugs - Jen

Hey Dawn!I am mostly a lurker on the blog, but I have to comment on the chip in total!I had read about the hijack from my phone, but I couldn't see the button and I just got on my pc to check, and I am just overcome with joy for you!!!!I'll be making my donation :)Hugs from 'downstate' Illinois :)Christine

Hi Dawn, We had to get state help these past few months.We actually needed it before but was to "proud" to use it. My son is still on state medicaid because now that my husband is back to work we still have no insurance. Your kids will definitly qualify for medicaid insurance. Also get some help with food. I can only imagine your monthly food bill :O I am saying prayers for You and the Kids! We all Love You! Kristine in Michigan.

Dawn, I have never commented before, but have been reading your blog for quite awhile. While I was on bedrest with my second child (my first passed away shortly after birth), I would come here and you would take my mind off of the blind terror of waiting for his birth. I cannot thank you enough for that gift.

You and your family have been on my mind constantly these last few weeks. I just want you to know that we are praying for all of you - sometimes multiple times an hour. We will sit down tonight to figure out how we can help monetarily. Until then, I hope you feel covered in prayer and have a few moments of peace today. Thank you.

Tell her to apply for All Kids. The website is (http://www.allkidscovered.com/)

She'll be able to apply online, download an application, and/or find an All Kids Application Agent if she needs help applying or has any questions. Once she gets approved she will have the option of selecting a carrier I HIGHLY HIGHLY suggest she go with Illinois Health Connect (the other two options are private managed care organizations and they are AWFUL!)

She can go to this webiste (http://www.illinoishealthconnect.com/) and from here she can find and select a provider and also this website will explain her benefits in more detail.

Once her benefits are approved she'll get the medical card every month and the kids will be covered for 12 months before she needs to renew. Hope this helps, please let me know if she has any issues or any other questions.

Praying for you!! I know it stinks to have to apply for the state insurance, but honestly it pays for soooo much more than regular insurance, atleast in Pennsylvania anyway. Mental health services are covered 100%. Hopefully Illinois's insurance is similar.

You are an amazing mother/warrior/woman/writer! I love coming here to your blog! Keep the faith, things WILL get better. Eventually. :)